Hand Signals For Driving

Driver’s hand signals are a commonly overlooked ingredient in the recipe for becoming a safer driver. While you might not need to use them often, understanding how to use hand signals while driving can help you out in several tricky situations behind the wheel.

Whether you’re learning to drive or are an experienced motorist, knowing how to use the appropriate hand signal when driving is essential. The guide below will explain everything you need to know about how to perform these hand signals while behind the wheel.

Why Are Hand Signals For Driving Important?

Before learning the different hand signals for driving, it’s important to understand when and why you might need them. 

When driving in the State of California, Vehicle Code 22108 requires all drivers to signal at least 100 feet prior to making a turn or changing lanes. As well as satisfying your legal obligations, turn signals allow you to communicate with other drivers; they let other road users know what move you are about to make, which allows them to act accordingly. 

Under most circumstances, this communication is achieved by using the vehicle’s turn signals. However, driving hand signals offer an alternative to turn signals that may be used in several situations, including:

• If the vehicle’s turn lights or brake lights have stopped working.
• Harsh sunlight makes it difficult to see turn or brake lights.
• You have a trailer that’s obstructing the turn or brake lights.

Cyclists or other road users who do not have turn or brake lights on their vehicles should always use hand signals for turning and/or indicating a stop. Having this knowledge alongside the proper safety equipment and a suitable vehicle will help you stay safe on the road. Not only will understanding hand signals allow you to communicate with other road users, but it will also help you to “read” signals from other drivers. 

Understanding The 3 Main Driving Hand Signals for the Driving Test

Automobile hand signals are always made from the driver’s side by sticking your left arm out of the window. There are three main hand signals for driving, which are detailed below:

The Left Turn Driving Hand Signal

A left turn hand sign when driving is used to tell other drivers that you are moving into the left lane or planning to take a left turn at the next junction. When making a left hand turn, you should be positioned in the lane furthest to the left or a lane that has a left turn arrow. Do not change lanes during the turn maneuver.

To indicate a left hand turn with a hand signal, hold your left arm straight out of the window so that your arm is a horizontal line pointing left. Don’t forget to check for vehicles to your left.

The Right Turn Driving Hand Signal

A right turn hand sign when driving is used to inform other drivers that you are turning right or moving to the next lane to the right. When performing a right-hand turn, you should be in the slip lane or right-hand lane that is closest to the curb.

This hand signal is performed by sticking your left arm out of the window and bending it at the elbow, forming a 90-degree angle pointing towards the sky.

The Slowing Down Driving Hand Signal

Slowing down and stopping hand signals can be used when your brake lights are not working as expected. 

This hand signal is performed by sticking your left arm out of the driver’s window and then pointing it towards the ground, bending your arm at the elbow as close to 90 degrees as you can. Your palm should be facing behind you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Driving Hand Signals

Driving hand signals for the driving test: How many are required?

Generally speaking, only the hand signals required on the permit or driving test are those that indicate a left-hand turn, right-hand turn, and stopping/slowing. Some states, like California, require the driver to demonstrate these hand signals as a part of the behind-the-wheel exam. While your state may only require you to correctly identify hand signals on a written test, be aware that the content of any driving exam may be subject to change at any time. This may include a demonstration of the hand signals. If you are required to demonstrate your hand signals, be certain to position your arm so that your signals are clear and well-defined to the examiner. Some examiners may deduct points for lazy arm signals where the shape of the signal is unclear. 

Are there situations where I should use hand signals if my blinkers still work?

Yes! Harsh sunlight may make it difficult for other drivers to see turn or brake lights, especially if those lights are worn down or if the bulb is weak. In addition, if you have a trailer, bicycle, or other item attached to the back of your vehicle, your turn and brake lights will be obstructed. In these cases, you must use hand signals to communicate your intentions to other road users.

What are the basic hand signals for driving?

The main three hand signals you need to know are the ones for a left turn, right turn and stopping/slowing. Note that the signal for stopping and slowing is the same - the left arm should be extended out the driver’s side window and bent downward at the elbow to create a 90-degree angle. 

Are hand signals for vehicles the same as for cyclists?

In general, they are the same! The signals to turn right, turn left and stop/slow should all be performed with the left arm, whether you are on a bicycle or behind the wheel of a car. Note that some cyclists may choose to indicate a right-hand turn by extending their right arm straight out to the side. In some states, this alternate right-turn hand signal is illegal. To ensure the safety and clear communication between vehicles and cyclists, it is best for cyclists to use the standard right-turn arm signal by using their left arm to create a 90-degree angle at the elbow with the hand pointed upward.

Can I use a driving hand signal at any time?

You can use a driving hand signal whenever you intend on making a lateral maneuver or to indicate stopping or slowing. Just like your blinkers, hand signals should not be used unless you plan on making a lane change or stopping/slowing your vehicle. Remember that you should not signal a turn or stop at the last minute. Be certain to leave plenty of time between your signal and your maneuver to reduce your risk of a collision. This is especially important when using hand signals, as other drivers may take longer to recognize your intentions and therefore be slower to respond.

Can I use hand signals with an imported car with the driver on the right side?

Yes, when driving an imported car where the steering is situated on the right-hand side of the vehicle, you should perform your arms signals from the right. Keep in mind that any driver behind you might not have the same visibility to the right side of your car as would on the left. It’s also important to note that most drivers will not be accustomed to vehicles where the driver is situated on the right, so you must be extra careful and leave extra time to signal your intentions if using hand signals from the right side. Remember that the key here is communication - you must broadcast your intentions to other road users in a way that is easy to recognize and allows other drivers time to react to your message.

The Final Word On Using Hand Signals For Driving 

If you do find yourself in a situation where you have to use hand signals for driving, it’s vital that you use them in conjunction with safe diving practices. Slow down and give other drivers enough warning about your upcoming turn or change of lanes before making a lateral maneuver.

To discover more on how to become a better driver, contact Coastline Academy today.